News

Newcastle outlines ‘No Time to Waste’ plan

GB News: 02/02/2018 - 14:25

Newcastle City Council has published a new report setting out how Newcastle could become a world leader in waste reduction and cut down on single use plastics in the city.

No Time to Waste suggests a voluntary ban on single use plastics in the city, alongside plans to set a voluntary ban on drinking straws in pubs, clubs and restaurants. The council also outlines plans to become a zero-food waste city and explore alternatives to the council sending waste to Sweden.

If implemented, its is believed that waste in the city could be reduced by 10 per cent by 2025, and recycling rates improved from 42 per cent to 65 per cent by 2030.

Heidi Mottram, chair of the Newcastle Waste Commission, said: “Waste, and how we deal with it, is one of the biggest challenges facing our generation. Thanks to TV programmes like Blue Planet the threat that it poses have struck a chord with millions of people and there now appears to be a growing acceptance that we can’t just carry on doing the same old things.

“We all have a responsibility to wise-up to waste and do our bit. This report is full of ideas, big and small, short term and long term. I want as many people as possible to read it. If everyone pledges to do at least one thing then together we can make a big difference. Ultimately, the people of Newcastle hold the key to success. By reducing waste, recycling more and reusing everyday items, the city can make a step change.”

Nick Forbes, leader of the council, added: “Newcastle is a hugely ambitious city and we want to be on the world stage when it comes to dealing with waste. The report is extremely thorough. Many different ways of dealing with waste have been considered and, for that reason, it will be of interest to every town and city in the country. We all generate waste, whether it be discarded food, old clothing, cardboard packaging or just general household waste. The big challenge now is how we can come together to work in partnership and turn this report into a call for action.”